Oscillator



Nov. 2?, 1927.

|. R KOENIG psonwpon Filed Dec. 6, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 L, INVENTOR,

' ATTOZEY Nov. 22, 1927.

L. R. KOENIG OSCILLATOR Flied Dec. 6. 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR, L /ayd R. Keen 13;

BY M133 W ATTORN Patented Nov. 22, 1927.

PATENT OFFICE.

LIiOYD R IOENIG, 8'1. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

oscnmaroa.

- Application Med December 6, 1928. Serial No. 158,"?9.

This invention relatesto oscillators and with regard to certain more specific features, to oscillators for fans and the like.

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of an oscillator adapted to function on gyroscopic principles, whereby the inherent rotatlva characteristics of certain devices, such as fans, may be made use of, to cause oscillations of the axes of rotation; the provision of an oscillator adapted to direct an axis of rotation in various conoidal paths, the shapes of which 'pat-hs may readily be changed, thereby providing means for directing a moving column or other blast of air (in the case of a fan) in various directions and thereby also providing oscillatory movement of said column or blast; and the provision of an oscillator of the class described requiring for its construction a minimum number of simple and rugged elements adapted to wear for long periods without special attention. Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combination of elements, features of construction, and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified inthe structure hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which are illustrated-several of various possible embodiments of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a right-rear perspective view of an electric fan embodying the invention,

Fig. 2 is a left side elevation of the fan shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section taken on line 33 of Fig. 2;

Figs. 4 and 5 show. certain alternative gyroscopic, frictional contactors;

Fig. 6 is a vertical section taken on. line 66 of Fig. 2 but shows an alternate position for the frictional contactor; and

Figs. 7 to 10 are views similar to Fig. 6, but enlarged. and illustrate certain alternative forms of, contact'guides.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2. there is illustrated at numeral 1 a supporting base which pivotally carries a frame 3. A clamping type of thumb screw 5 provides the pivot and at the same time provides locking means at the pivot, whereby relative. motion between the frame 3 and supporting base 1 may be prevented at any of the relative positions between the two.

A pair of pivots or bearings 7 are arranged on the frame 3, along a preferably vertical axis XX, for the purpose of rotatably supporting a gimbal ring 9.

A pair of ivots or bearings 11 are arranged on said gimbal ring, along an axis Y--Y for the purpose of rotatably su porting an electric motor M, of a type a to be used for electric fans. The axis YY is preferably located at substantially 90 degrees with respect to the axis X-X (see Fig. 3). The axis YY is also in the plane of 'said axis XX in the present embodiment, although the last-named limitation is not always necessary.

, The motor M comprises the ordinary casing 8 which rotatably supports a conventional rotor R. The rotor revolves at the substantially high rates of speed which are usual in fan construction. It comprises any type such as will provide the rotation ordinarily required in fan or like constructions and m the present embodiment uses either direct or alternating current. The field windings are carried by the casing 8. It is clear that an induction or any other suit-' able type may also be used and that the size may be varied to suit particular conditions. In fact, other forms of motors, not electric, may be used to cause rotation.

The rotor R is mounted to turn on and with an axle or shaft 13 carried in suitable bearings associated with the motor casing 8. This shaft 13 has its axis of rotation Z-Z located preferably in a plane at 90 degrees to the axis YY. The shaft 13 carries forwardly therewith a set of conventional fan blades'15 for inducing a draft 'of air when the motor M is operated. The

shaft 13 is provided with a rearward extension 17 referred to hereinafter as a contactor 17 for purposes to be described.

apted Fastened to the motor casing is a suitable blade guard 19 which is movable with said casing. The casing may carry other accessories therewith (not shown).

From the above. it is evident that the rotating elements of, and connected with the motorM have three degrees of freedom,

namely about the axes XX, YY and ZZ and that the motor M is universally coupled to the frame 3. For the best operation of the device, the motor M, including all parts and accessories associated therewith, such as the rotor R, blades 15, shaft 17 and guard 19, should be substantially balancedabout that axis which is to be ordinarily located at right angles to the force of gravity, namely axis YY. This balance need not be a refined one and it is not necessary'tha't the axis'Y--Y always remain in said location, that is, at right angles to the force of gravity. This is because the said balance around axis YY provides substantial balance of the said elements about the other axis XX, said axis YY being in the plane of axis XX. Hence said motor elements are in substantial static balance, regardless of how the device is tilted. It is to be understood that. the rotor and parts turning therewith are given enough dynamic balance for smooth rotative action.

Electric current is brought to the device over a suitable wire lead 21 (Fig.1) which may lead to a speed-varying switch (not shown) in the base 1. A flexible wire lead 23 leads from said base or other suitable point to the casing of the motor M to deliver electrical energy to said motor.

The frame 3 is provided rearwardly with a longitudinally and rotatably adjustable supporting piece or screw 25, comprising a thumb screw, which carries a contact guide G. This guide G may have various forms and in Figs. 1, 2 and 6, comprises a length of spirally formed wire. The rotating extension or frictional contactor 17 of the motor shaft 13 is adapted to engage this guide G at any lateral point, because of the described universal swiveling action of the motor M. If contact is made while said motor M is rotating (the motor rotates the contactor 17), then (see Fig. 6) the first contact results in a tendency of the contactor 17 to be driven in a. direction tangential to the curved or other surface of the guide G.

Clockwise rotation of the contactor 17 around its own axis is assumed for the present (see arrow H, Fig. 6).

This tendency of the contactor 17 to be driven tangentially by the frictional efi'ect between it and the guide, results in a gyroscopic couple being set up (due to the rotating masses associated with the rotating contactor. 17 such as the blades and rotor). This gyroscopic couple tends to force the contactor 17 in a direction substantially at 90 degrees to the said tangential movement which caused the couple. The result, in the present application,-is that there is a continual gyroscopic force F which presses the rotatin Fig. 6.

frictional contact between the contactor 17 and the guide G moves the contactor 17 ahead on the guide, while the gyroscopic couple F engendered by said movement. forces the contactor against the guide to maintain the frictional contact. The slight amount of energy required to carryon the process is derived from the motor by way of the gyroscopic reactions involved.

It is to be understood that, although the contactor 17 is directly driven to rotate in the present embodiment, thereby simplifying the construction, nevertheless, it may be driven to rotate indirectly and at a reduced speed, without changing the broader novel features of the invention as claimed. However, if it is driven indirectly, the direction of rotation of the cont-actor of the reducer should be such as to produce a frictional driving effect in the same relative direction with respect to the rotating elements as at factor f om the guide instead of to press it to it. This is dueto the properties of gyroscopic structures in general.

It is evident that the driving contact may be purely frictional as described or of other classes without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed herein.

In Fig. 6 the arrow F represents the gyroscopic reaction at right angles to the surface of the guide G, the arrow H the direction of contactor rotation and the arrows parallel to the guide surfaces indicate the direction of travel of said contactor on the guide G. It may be notedthat when the end 27 of the guide G is reached that the contactor rolls over the end as in following other curved portions of the guide and then moves along the inside of the spiral until another reversal is made at the inner end 29.

Fig. 7 shows an enlarged view of a wave form of guide G- 1 wherein the other reference characters correspond to those shown The dotted lines show, certain alternate positions of the contactor :17.

Fig. 8 shows a circular form of guide (l" 2 and the arrows indicate the direction of contactor travel at the guide ends. The dotted lines 31 indicate how the open gap in the guide G-2 may be bridged so that the contactor will have a continuous external or internal movement, depending upon its initial position Within or without the ring.

Fig. 9 illustrates an ovate form of guide G3 with directional arrows.

Fig. 10 represents a form of guide G'-4 Car - for instance, where it is desired to which will give the contactor a plurality of wave motions, each located angularly with respect to the other.. The arrows againindicate the movement of the contactor at the guide ends.

Any one of the above described guides or any other desired shape may be fastened to the member 25. Hence a user may be supplied with one or more shapes so that he may employ the one best suited to his particular needs. If only one shape is used, such as the ovate one, several effects may be had. merely by interchanging or otherwise shifting its major and minor axes M-M and NN, respectively. This may be done from the member 25.

From the above description, it is evident that the motor shaft 13 is directed to sweep out a conoidal form, the exact shape depending upon the configuration of the guide. The result is that the fan blows a draft of airwhi-ch sweeps out in space. a curved shape, rather than the conventional uni-planar sector shape. The advantages are manifold, as cool an object without blowing a draft directly thereon, the. present fan may be set to. blow all about it, by using such a guide as one of those shown in Figs. 8 to 10. The simplicity of the device is apparent.

For a slow oscillating effect, it is desirable to have the contactor 17 and the guide G rather smooth. To ensure reversal at the guide ends under these conditions it is sometimes desirable to have a more roughened portion at said ends, as indicated at numerals 33 in Fig. 7. This feature is not necessary with all designs made under the principlesof this invention. Its desirability depends upon the mechanical constants involved, such as the speed of rotation and the value of the moment of inertia and radius of gyration of the rotating masses. Since the gyroscopic couple depends in part upon the moment of inertia of the rotating elements, it is' evident that the rate of oscillation may be controlled by varying said moment of inertia because this varies the frictional eifect between the contactor and guide. Likewise variations in the radius of gyration of the rotating masses will accomplish a similar elfect. The rate of oscillation may also be varied by increasing or decreasing 7 the diameter of the contactor 17. An increase will increase the rate of oscillation and a decrease will decrease it. It is evident that reversal of motor rotation results in the gyroscopic couple being effective to press the contactor to the guide. as before, but the direction of oscillation is reversed, that is. movement of the contactor along the guide is reversed.

Fig. 4 illustrates a modified form of contactor 35 havingtwo collars -37 fastened thereto for the purpose of retaining a rotatplate forms of guides may to say, upon able bearing collar 39 therebetween on the shaft. The collar 39 is adapted to engage the guide G. effect, between the guide and contactor is varied, whereby the period of oscillation of the system'is changed.

Fig. 5 illustrates a shoulder 41 cut on the contactor 17, thereby providing other means for varying said oscillation constant, that is, by decreasing the contactor diameter. Fig. 5. also illustrates a form of guide G-S built on a spherical surface whose center is at the center of the described universal By this means the frictional swivel system for the motor M. ,By this the contactor is limited to a restricted length. This form of guide is especially useful where the form of collar 39 is used, such as is shown in Fig. 4.

It is to be understood that each. of the alternative. forms of guides may be fastened to the member 25 as the guide G is fastened. that is by an offset portion 43 (Figs. 1 and 2) or other suitable means. Furthermore,

v be used from which the guide path is cut as an opening, rather than formed as a solid piece as illustrated. A suitable casing (not shown) may be formed around the oscillating elements.

In starting this oscillator. the current is merely turned on. Ordinarily the contactor is resting against same portion of the guide and if it is not it may be manually pushed into such a position. In any case it will start'itself oscillating, for if the contactor and guide are separated. the ordinary creep ofthe system sooner or later causes them to make the initial contact and thereafter the oscillations are continuously automatic as long as the motor rotates.

Fig. 2 illustrates certain alternate maximum conical positions of the axis Z-Z and it is evident that these may be changed by means contact on varying the longitudinal position of the guide G. Such longitudinal variation in the guide position may be made to vary the rate of oscillation, if the contactor 17 is tapered or stepped as in Fig. 5 to give varying contactor. radii on the guide.

'It is evident that the fan may be used as a non-oscillator at any time by providing a suitable clip to hold the contactor in a stationary position at any predetermined point.

It is evident that the gimbal ring need not comprise a complete bearings as any equivalent will sufiice, such as a cradle member having the bearing 11. but having only a long single supporting and swiveling bearing corresponding to the lower bearing 7.

It is now evident that the degree of static balance described. and required about the axes X-X and Y-Y depends upon the ring supported by two as their conformation, that is parts, as well the gyroscopic effect of these of static unbalance can be had about the axes XX and Y-Y, yet perfect operation can be maintained.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As many changes could be made in carrying out the above constructions without de parting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim: a

1. An oscillator for fans comprising rotating elements, means for mounting-said elements with three degrees of freedom including the freedom of rotation, a guide adapted to be engaged by at least oneof said elements to provide driving contact, whereby a gyroscopic couple is engendered to maintain engagement between said element and said guide and whereby said elements oscillate themselves and are controlled by the guide, said gyroscopic couple being the only force tending to continuously maintain contact between said element and said guide. 7

2. An oscillator for a fan comprising rotating elements, including fan blades and contact means, means for mounting said elements with three degrees of freedom including the freedom of rotation, a guide adapted to beengaged by said contact means to provide' frictional driving contact whereby a gyroscopic couple is engendered to maintain engagement and whereby said elements move themselves and are controlled by the guide, the mounting of said rotating elements being accomplished with such balance that said driving contact will be maintained in any of the positions that the fan as a whole may be caused to assume.

3.- An oscillator for fans comprising a frame, a motor having rotating elements, means for mounting said motor on Said frame so as to have a universal movement, a guide on the frame and a rotating contactor driven directly by the motor at motor speed adapted to engage said guide, whereby the motor is oscillated and a gyroscopic reaction engendered against said guide, said gyroscopic reaction being the only force tending to engage the contactor with the guide.

4. An oscillator comprising a frame, a motor having rotating elements, means for mounting said motor on said frame so as to and increase the moment of inertia of said rotor, a contactor driven by the rotor, and a guide on said frame adapted to be engaged by said contactor .whereby the casing is moved and a substantial gyroscopic reaction is engendered, said reaction being of a ma nitude that, if unaided, is adapted to ho d the contactor against the guide at all positions that both the contactor or guide may assume. I

6. An oscillating fan com rising a frame, a rotatable member mounted on said frame and a motor rotatably mounted on said rotatable member, rotating elements associated with the motor adapted to directly drive fan blades and a contactor and a guide on said frame with which said contactor frictionally engages to,drive itself and control the motor oscillation and engender a gyroscopic reaction to maintain said engagement in any position of said contactor or said guide, irrespective of other holding means.

7. An oscillating fan comprising a frame, a member mounted thereon to rotate about an axis, a motor casing rotatably mounted on said member on an axis at right angles to said first-named axis and in the plane thereof, rotating elements carried by said casing rotatable about an axis located in a plane at right angles to said second named 'axis, a contactor driven by said rotating elements and a guide with which said contactor is adapted to engage to cause movement of said casing, said casing including the rotating elements therewith having a substantial static balance about said second named axis and said rotating elements having a substantial dynamic balance about said third named axis.

8. An oscillating fan comprising a frame, a motor universally mounted in said frame and rotating a contactor, a guide on the frame adapted to be engaged by said contactor, whereby the motor is oscillated on its universal mounting and a gyroscopic couple is engendered to maintain continuous engagement and means for adjusting the position of said guide.

9.Anosci1latin fan comprising a frame, a motor universal y mounted in said frame and rotating a contactor, a guide on the frame adapted tobe engaged by said contactor, whereby the motor is oscillated on its universal mounting and a gyroscopic couple is engendered to maintain continuous engagement and means for changing guides without dismantling.

10. An oscillating fan comprising a frame, a motor universally'mounted in said frame and rotating a contactor, a guide on the frame adapted to be engaged by said contactor, whereby the motor is oscillated on its universal mounting and a gyroscopic couple is engendered to maintain continuous engagement and means for moving said gulde in respect to said frame.

11. An oscillating fan comprising a frame, a motor universally mounted in said frame and rotatin a contactor at motor speed, a guide on t e frameada-pted to be engaged by said contactor, whereby the motor is oscillated on its universalmounting and a gyroscopic couple is engendered to maintain continuous engagement and means for adg'usting the position of said guide.

12. A fan comprising a frame, a motor having a universal mounting on said frame and adapted to have its axis of rotation pass through horizontal positions, a contactor moving with and driven by the motor, a

guide on the frame adapted to be engaged y said contactor; whereby the contactor drives the motor to oscillate and a gyroscopic couple is engendered maintaining driving contact between said guide and said contactor. I

13. A fan comprising a frame, a motor havin a universal mounting .on said frame and a apted to have its axis of rotation pass through horizontal positions, a contactor moving with and driven by the motor, a guide on the frame adapted to be engaged by said contactor; whereby the contactor drives the motor to oscillate and a gyroscopic couple is engendered maintaining driving contact between said guide and said contactor, the balance of the motor being such that said gyroscopic couple will not be overcome. at any point of oscillation.

14. An oscillating fan comprising a frame, rotating elements including fan blades and a motor mounted for universal movement with respect to said frame, a contactor driven to rotate by said rotating elements, a guide adapted to be engaged by said contactor, whereby a driving coupleand a resulting gyroscopic reaction against 'tating elements having a the guide are engendered, said rotating elements beingso mounted as not to overcome said gyroscopic reaction.

15. An oscillator comprisin a frame, ro-

i ree universal mounting thereon, a contactor adapted to be driven from-said rotating elements and in the same rotative direction, a guide adapted to be engaged by said contactor, whereby the contactor drives on the guide causing the rotating elements to be oscillated and whereby a gyroscopic couple is engendered for maintaining driving contact between said guide and said contactor.

16. An osclllator comprising a frame, ro-

tating elements having a universal mount-J tween said gyroscopic eflect and balance being such that the gyroscopic effect will maintain said driving contact in any position of said guide.

17. An oscillator comprising a frame, rotating elements having a universal mounting thereon, said elements having a predetermined degree of gyroscopic effect and being mounted with a predetermined balance, a contactor adapted to be driven from said rotating elements and in the same rotative direction, a guide adapted to be engaged by said contactor, whereby the contactor drives on the guide causing the rotating elements to be oscillated and whereby a gyroscopic couple is engendered for maintainin driving contact between said guide and said contactor, the relation between said gyroscopic effect and balance being such that the gyroscopic effect will maintain said driving contact in any position of said guide.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification this 4th day of December, 1926.

'LLOYD R. KOENIG. 

